Simon Harold Hartley, 47, did not enter a plea to any of the rape charges, which cover a number of dates between 2004 and 2015.

Hartley denied a separate charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, dating from between August 1 and September 30, 2014.

He appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, wearing a dark denim jacket, jeans, and a large leg brace on his left knee. He spoke only to confirm his name and address and to deny the assault charge.